Hülkenberg winds up the season with DEKRA in Essen

Hundreds of motorsport fans joined Nico Hülkenberg live with DEKRA at the Essen Motor Show, where they looked back together on the most successful Formula One season of his career.

When DEKRA welcomes a Formula One star to its stand at the Essen Motor Show, there is always going to be a big crowd. And that was the case when Nico Hülkenberg made his now traditional visit to the Essen Motor Show, where he answers the questions posed by presenter Tobias Wobbe and signs countless autographs every year.

“This year, my visit to DEKRA is rather special. It is the first time that I have already finalised everything on the contract side of things. It is obviously very comforting not to constantly be asked about your future in Formula One. As well as my contract with Force India, I have also extended the successful cooperation with DEKRA and am just happy to be able to continue my unique partnership with DEKRA,” said Nico Hülkenberg.

Goal for 2015: “Score as many points as possible”

From a sporting point of view, the man from Emmerich can look back on the most successful Formula One season of his career. “Hülk” finished in the points at each of the first ten races, after which he had 69 points to his name. The second half of the season was less successful. The 27-year-old failed to finish in Hungary (collision with Perez) and the USA (problems with the drive train) and finished outside the points in twelfth place in Italy and Russia. Despite all this, he ended the year in ninth place in the Drivers’ Championship with 96 points, thanks in part to a successful final race in Abu Dhabi, where double points were awarded (16 points for sixth place).

Force India team-mate Sergio Perez scored 59 points in 2014, helping the British/Indian outfit to sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship and 155 points – the team’s highest ever total and just 26 points behind fifth-placed McLaren after 19 races. “Our goal for the coming season, together with Force India, is obviously to continue to improve, perform even more consistently, and just to score as many points as possible,” said "Hülk", looking ahead to the 2015 season.

What does a Formula One star do in his spare time?

By the way, if you were wondering where a Formula One driver, who spends the entire year travelling all over the world, celebrates Christmas, here is your answer: “I will spend the holidays at home with my parents and grandparents in Emmerich. I can hardly wait to spend the festive period with my family, and will use it to completely recharge my batteries.”

The first race of the new Formula One season will take place in Australia on 15th March 2015. Next season will feature 20 rounds, rather than the previous 19. New to the line-up is the Mexican Grand Prix, which made its last appearance on the Formula One calendar in 1992.

Hülkenberg fans can also all look forward to his debut at the Le Mans 24 Hours. “Hülk” will take his place at the wheel of a Porsche LMP1 on 13th and 14th June 2015. “As well as the usual preparations for the new Formula One season, I will also be preparing for Le Mans with Porsche. Issues such as the seat fitting can be taken care of during the winter break,” said Hülkenberg. His outing in France will make him the first driver since Sébastien Bourdais in 2009 to line up at the endurance classic whilst also competing in the Formula One World Championship. DEKRA is already looking forward to a successful season with Formula One and endurance driver Nico Hülkenberg.